Panthers beaten by Wolverines
By John Earp
Last Friday, the Jal Panthers Varsity Football Team (2-8 0verall; 0-4 in 2A District 3) traveled to Texico to play the undefeated (9-0) Wolverines. The Wolverines wasted no time getting into the end zone. With 9:17 remaining in the first quarter, on their third offensive play of the game, Texico scored a touchdown with a long pass down the left side of the field, with defenders not being close to the receiver.
Coby Vargas caught a pass from Ornelas with about 8 minutes remaining in the first quarter for Jal’s initial first down of the game. Unfortunately, the Panthers had to punt a few plays later, with 6:26 remaining in the game.
Alex Fuentes, the Wolverine quarterback, showed himself to be quite effective at scrambling, completing passes and running the ball himself when necessary. With 3:21 remaining in the first quarter. Fuentes took the ball into the end zone from the six-yard line for their second touchdown of the game. Extra point was good. Texico led 14-0.
Jose Flores caught a pass on the Panther’s next offensive drive for a gain of 10. Unfortunately, Ornelas was sacked on the next play for a loss of five yards. The Panthers’ advance again was stopped by the Wolverine Defense, and they had to punt on fourth down. At the end of the first quarter, the score remained 14-0.
On the first play of the second quarter, with Texico having the ball on their 41-yard line, Fuentes broke through the defense and ran the ball into the end zone for Texico’s third touchdown of the night. With 11:41 remaining in the second quarter, Texico had extended their lead 21-0 with the extra point. The Panther Offense was still unable to advance very far after the kickoff, punting from deep in their territory to near midfield.
On their second play of the next drive, Fuentes completed a long pass to Mendoza, who ran the ball for another 20 yards into the end zone. Extra point was good. With 9:57 remaining in the second quarter, Texico led 28-0. The Wolverines were executing every play with excellence, as would be expected considering their top rating in New Mexico 2A Football and their undefeated status.
The Panthers once again were unable to advance the ball well on their next possession, turning over possession after an attempted play on fourth down on their own 40-yard line. The Wolverines quickly put seven more points on the board with big rushing gains. With 7:20 remaining in the first half, Texico led 36-0. with the two-point conversion being successful.
The game continued along the same lines as it had from the beginning, with the Wolverines effectively moving the ball with big plays, fast runners, excellent blocking, and accurate passing. With 3:47 left in the first half, Texico led 44-0. With 30 seconds remaining in the first half, Texico scored once again, extending their lead to 52-0. Jal had one last play before the end of the half and end of the game, for a gain of a couple yards. The final score was 52-0.
The Jal Panthers will compete against the Raton Tigers (5-5 overall; 3-2 in 2A District 2) in the first round of the state tournament this Saturday at Raton.
